BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 276 88R1061 BEE-F By: Huffman Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs 3/9/2023 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT New outboard boat motors can cost thousands of dollars, making them prohibitively expensive. By contrast, an older motor can cost much less; however, many older outboard motors often lack the documentation needed to legally transfer ownership. Current state regulations prohibit the use of any outboard motor without a title on public waterways except under certain conditions. S.B. 276 would define an antique outboard motor as an outboard motor that is at least 40 years old with a maximum capacity of 25 horsepower. This statutory change would make it easier for Texans to purchase, and legally use, antique outboard motors of limited capacity on public waterways without a title. As proposed, S.B. 276 amends current law relating to certificates of title for certain outboard motors. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 31.055, Parks and Wildlife Code, as follows: Sec. 31.055. EXCEPTIONS. Provides that Subchapter B-1 (Certificates of Title for Vessels and Outboard Motors) does not apply to: (1) creates subdivision from existing text; or (2) an outboard motor that: (A) is at least 40 years of age; and (B) has a capacity of not more than 25 horsepower. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 276
88R1061 BEE-F By: Huffman
Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs
3/9/2023
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 276
88R1061 BEE-F
By: Huffman
Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs
3/9/2023
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
New outboard boat motors can cost thousands of dollars, making them prohibitively expensive. By contrast, an older motor can cost much less; however, many older outboard motors often lack the documentation needed to legally transfer ownership. Current state regulations prohibit the use of any outboard motor without a title on public waterways except under certain conditions.
S.B. 276 would define an antique outboard motor as an outboard motor that is at least 40 years old with a maximum capacity of 25 horsepower. This statutory change would make it easier for Texans to purchase, and legally use, antique outboard motors of limited capacity on public waterways without a title.
As proposed, S.B. 276 amends current law relating to certificates of title for certain outboard motors.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 31.055, Parks and Wildlife Code, as follows:
Sec. 31.055. EXCEPTIONS. Provides that Subchapter B-1 (Certificates of Title for Vessels and Outboard Motors) does not apply to:
(1) creates subdivision from existing text; or
(2) an outboard motor that:
(A) is at least 40 years of age; and
(B) has a capacity of not more than 25 horsepower.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.